From soft beachy waves to bouncy red-carpet curls, sleek 90s blow-out bends to defined ringlet curls — the right curling tool is what makes the difference between hair that holds its shape all day and hair that drops by lunchtime. Our curling tools collection brings together the genuine professional-grade tools the salon industry actually trusts: BaByliss Pro, Paul Mitchell, HairTools and Diva Professional, covering curling wands, traditional curling tongs, heated rollers, multi-barrel wavers and more. Whether you're a working stylist building out your kit or a confident at-home user wanting salon-quality curls, this is where the proper tools live.

Curling wand vs curling tong vs heated rollers: which is right for you?

The first thing that catches buyers out is that "curling tools" isn't really one product — it's four distinct categories, each suited to different curl shapes, hair lengths and skill levels:

• Curling wands — a tapered or straight barrel with no clip, used by wrapping the hair around the heated barrel manually. The professional standard for natural-looking, lived-in curls and beachy waves. Steeper learning curve than tongs (you need to handle hot barrels carefully), but creates softer, less uniform results that look properly modern.
• Curling tongs — the classic clipped barrel design where you clamp the hair into the tool and rotate it to create a curl. Easier to use than wands (the clip holds the section in place) and ideal for tight defined curls, ringlets, and structured retro looks. The right choice for beginners or for anyone wanting more uniform, classic curls.
• Heated rollers — a set of pre-heated foam, ceramic or velvet-coated rollers wound into the hair and left in place to set. Hands-down the easiest curling method to use (no skill required), creates the longest-lasting volume and bounce, and works brilliantly for vintage waves, big blowouts, and special-occasion styling. The forgotten tool that's having a proper revival.
• Multi-barrel wavers — three-barrel or wave-pattern tools that create instant deep waves with a single clamping motion. The fastest way to get textured Hollywood waves, mermaid waves or beach waves at scale. Used widely by professional stylists for editorial and bridal work.
• Auto curlers — like the BaByliss Pro Miracurl or Curl Secret — fully automatic curlers that draw hair into a chamber and curl it for you. The easiest curl tool to use full stop, ideal for anyone struggling with manual technique.

Choosing the right curling tool for your hair

By hair length

• Short hair (chin-length to shoulder) — choose smaller barrels (13-19mm wand, 16-25mm tong) for proportionate curls. Larger barrels create barely-there bends rather than visible curls on shorter hair.
• Medium hair (shoulder to mid-back) — the sweet spot for most curling tools. 19-25mm wands and 25-32mm tongs work brilliantly across mid-length cuts.
• Long hair (mid-back and beyond) — go bigger. 25-32mm+ wands and 32-38mm tongs create curls that read on long hair without disappearing into the lengths.
• Very thick hair — a larger barrel is genuinely worth it because thicker sections need more thermal mass to set properly. Pair with high heat settings (200°C+) for proper hold.

By curl style

• Beachy waves — large tapered curling wand (25-32mm), wrapped loosely with mid-shaft sections left out for that "lived-in" finish
• Bouncy Hollywood curls — 25mm-32mm tong or wand, wrapped tightly and brushed out gently after cooling
• Tight ringlet curls — small barrel wand or tong (13-19mm), wrapped tightly section by section
• Vintage waves and finger waves — multi-barrel wavers or large barrel tong, set close to the head
• Defined uniform curls — clipped tongs in your chosen barrel size, with consistent section sizes
• Big blow-out volume curls — heated rollers, hot brushes or air stylers (see our hot brushes and air stylers collection)

By experience level

If you're new to curling tools, start with a clipped tong or heated rollers — both have lower technique requirements than free-handed wands. Once you're comfortable, graduate to a curling wand for more natural-looking, modern results. Auto curlers like the BaByliss Pro Curl Secret are also a brilliant entry point for anyone who's struggled with manual technique.

Featured curling tool brands

BaByliss Pro

One of the most established and respected names in professional hair tools. BaByliss Pro produces some of the most loved curling wands and tongs on the market, including the iconic Miracurl and Curl Secret auto curlers, the Boutique Salon tapered wand range, and a comprehensive line-up of titanium and ceramic-coated tongs for every hair type. The brand consistently delivers properly reliable build quality with adjustable temperature controls and fast heat-up times — genuinely tools you can build a styling career around.

Paul Mitchell

The legendary professional haircare brand also produces a properly considered range of styling tools. Paul Mitchell curling tools combine ceramic and tourmaline technology with the brand's signature attention to hair-health protection — adjustable heat settings, ionic technology to reduce frizz, and consistent heat distribution that minimises damage on repeat use. The right pick for stylists and home users who care about long-term hair condition alongside styling results.

HairTools

HairTools (also known under the BeautyWorks/HairTools brand family) offers a comprehensive range of professional styling tools at properly accessible price points. Their curling wands and tongs sit in the genuine sweet spot for working stylists and serious home users — proper professional features (ceramic barrels, adjustable temperature, fast heat recovery) without the premium-brand price tag.

Diva Professional Styling

British professional styling brand built around innovation and salon-quality results. Diva Professional curling tools include the Diva Argan Oil Pro range with argan-oil-infused ceramic barrels designed to nourish hair while styling. Properly considered tools that deliver consistent results with long-term hair-health credentials.

What to look for in a professional curling tool

• Adjustable heat settings — non-negotiable. Different hair types need different temperatures. Fine, fragile or colour-treated hair should style at 150-180°C; thick or coarse hair needs 200-230°C for proper hold. Single-temperature tools risk damage on fine hair or weak hold on thick hair.
• Ceramic, tourmaline or titanium barrel coating — distributes heat evenly across the barrel and reduces hot spots that cause damage. Ceramic is the all-rounder, tourmaline is best for ionic frizz reduction, titanium heats fastest and is best for thick hair.
• Fast heat-up time — professional tools should reach working temperature within 30-60 seconds. Slower heat-up suggests cheaper construction.
• Stable temperature recovery — quality tools maintain set temperature consistently after each section is styled. Cheap tools dip in temperature after each curl, which means later curls don't set as well as the first.
• Cool tip — the very end of the barrel should stay cool enough to hold safely. Lets you control the curl precisely without burning yourself.
• Long swivel cord — at least 2.5m, swivel-mounted to prevent tangling during use. Often overlooked but properly important for comfortable styling.
• Auto shut-off — automatic shut-off after 60 minutes of inactivity is a basic safety feature you shouldn't compromise on.
• Heat-resistant glove or carrying mat included — proper professional tools come with both. Useful for safer handling during use and storage straight after.

How to curl hair properly

1. Always start on dry, prepped hair. Curling tools should never be used on wet or damp hair — water plus heat causes serious damage. Hair should be fully dry, ideally blow-dried smooth first for best curl-holding.
2. Apply heat protection without exception. A proper heat protection spray or oil should be applied through every section before any heat tool touches the hair. Skipping this step is the single most common cause of heat damage. Browse our heat protection collection for the right product.
3. Section the hair properly. 2-4cm sections give the cleanest curls. Larger sections produce loose bends rather than defined curls; smaller sections create tighter, more defined curls.
4. Set the right temperature. Fine, fragile or processed hair: 150-180°C. Medium hair: 180-200°C. Thick or coarse hair: 200-230°C.
5. Hold for 5-10 seconds per section. Longer for thick hair, shorter for fine hair. Holding too long causes damage; too short means the curl won't set.
6. Cool the curl before releasing. The biggest secret to long-lasting curls — let each curl cool fully wrapped before letting it drop. Either pin the curl in place with a clip while it cools, or cup it in your hand for 30 seconds before releasing. This is what locks the shape in.
7. Don't brush curls immediately. Once cool, gently rake through with your fingers for natural separation, or use a wide-tooth comb for soft definition. Brushing too hard breaks down the curl pattern.
8. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray for staying power without crunch. Optional but properly extends curl life.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a curling wand and a curling tong?

A curling tong has a clamp/clip that holds the hair against the barrel as you wind. A curling wand has no clamp — you wrap the hair around the heated barrel manually. Tongs are easier to use (the clip holds your section in place), and create more defined uniform curls. Wands take more practice but create softer, more natural-looking, modern beachy curls. Most experienced stylists own both.

What size barrel should I choose?

Match barrel size to your hair length and the curl style you want. 13-19mm: tight ringlets, very small curls, or proportionate curls on short hair. 19-25mm: classic medium curls on most hair lengths, the sweet spot for everyday use. 25-32mm: loose waves, bouncy blowouts, beachy waves on medium to long hair. 32mm+: very loose waves and bends on long hair, plus voluminous blowout-style curls.

What temperature should I curl my hair at?

Fine, fragile, damaged or colour-treated hair: 150-180°C. Medium-textured healthy hair: 180-200°C. Thick or coarse hair: 200-230°C. Always start at the lower end of your range and only increase if you can't get a curl to hold. The myth that "higher temperature equals better hold" isn't true — hair has a maximum temperature it can take before damage starts, and going beyond it ruins the cuticle without improving the curl.

How do I make my curls last longer?

Five things in combination: dry your hair fully before curling (any dampness ruins curl hold), apply heat protection (which includes light styling polymers that help curls set), cool each curl fully before letting it drop (this is the single biggest curl-longevity factor), don't brush hard immediately after styling, and finish with flexible hairspray. Done properly, curls should hold 24-48 hours and survive a sleep with minimal touch-up needed.

Are heated rollers better than curling tongs for volume?

For volume specifically, yes — heated rollers genuinely outperform tongs. Because rollers stay in the hair to cool with the curl wrapped around them, they create more lift at the root than tongs can manage. The classic combination for big bouncy hair is heated rollers (for volume and bend) followed by a few targeted curls with a tong (for definition where you want it).

Can I use a curling tool every day?

You can, but always with heat protection and ideally on the lowest temperature that gives you a curl. Daily heat styling without protection causes cumulative damage on any hair type. If you style daily, consider air-drying or rough-drying your hair first (rather than blow-drying), then using your tool on damp-dried hair to reduce overall heat exposure. Use a deep conditioning treatment weekly to keep hair condition up.

What's the best curling tool for thick hair?

Look for titanium barrels (heat up faster and reach higher temperatures) or thick ceramic coatings, larger barrel sizes (25mm+), maximum temperatures of at least 220°C, and stable temperature recovery (so the tool doesn't dip after each section). The BaByliss Pro and Diva Professional ranges include several models specifically engineered for thick hair styling.

Are auto curlers worth the money?

For anyone who's struggled with manual curling technique, genuinely yes. Auto curlers like the BaByliss Pro Curl Secret and Miracurl draw the hair into a chamber and create the curl automatically — no technique required. Results are properly consistent and the learning curve is virtually zero. The trade-off is less control over the exact curl shape compared to a manual tool, so if you want very specific curl styles, a manual wand or tong gives you more flexibility.

Shop the curling tools collection

Browse the full range below. For other styling tool options, see our hot brushes and air stylers collection for blow-out volume tools, hair straighteners, professional hairdryers, and heat protection products to keep your hair healthy through daily styling. Free UK delivery on all orders.